Chapter 80: Raven: Who Do You Want Me To Become? Ancient One?

Smith had just left, and Ethan Hayes smiled. He realized that, while he had a few key allies, his influence over the business world was expanding rapidly. Now, he was one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. With the privatization of the Osborn Group and its acquisition of Tesla Lighting Energy, Osborn had become the largest energy provider in the country, unrivaled in its dominance.

The Osborn biology lab had been reopened, with Doctor Octopus overseeing the energy research department. Maxwell Dillon, still a low-key electrician, had been transferred to work closely with Otto. Ethan was keen to see whether Dillon would eventually transform into the Electric Man.

Harry Osborn, meanwhile, had disappeared with a sizable portion of the family's wealth, but Ethan didn't care. He knew Harry's story would eventually entwine with Peter Parker's, as love and vengeance pulled the two into conflict.

Dr. Connors, the scientist who intrigued Ethan the most, had gone silent. "Dr. Connors' path has diverged," Ethan muttered. "He's still too focused on transgenic animals and human biology, with zero research into superpowers and Mutant genes."

Ethan tapped his desk thoughtfully. He needed Connors to take the next step, but cultivating the doctor's interest would be challenging. With the arrival of Thor Odinson, the main Marvel storyline was in motion. Among all the characters, Scarlet Witch Wanda was the one who fascinated him the most. But for now, her whereabouts remained unknown.

Ethan jotted down an idea: Artificial Intelligence, Starlink, Global Surveillance Network! He wasn't sure if Dr. Octopus could support the Osborn Group's energy and machinery divisions, but he would have to offer guidance as needed. After all, a powerful leader always surrounds themselves with smart villains. Those who became villains were often the most intelligent, while the foolish ones were weeded out during their crimes.

"If only Mr. Fantastic could be mine," Ethan sighed. But he knew that superheroes, despite their outward confidence, often felt deeply lonely. Their unwavering sense of justice would always clash with his goals—a battle of ideologies.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," Ethan said, calming himself.

Julia entered, her steps seductive and confident. Her mood had improved since moving into her new role within the company.

"Hao, here are the papers for Tesla Lighting Energy's acquisition, and there's another document that requires your signature." Julia winked at Ethan, eager to please.

Ethan gestured for her to approach, and Julia, ever the temptress, got down on her knees beside him. Ethan signed the documents, his expression unreadable. Half an hour later, Julia left the office with flushed cheeks and a satisfied smile.

"Such skillful lips," Ethan muttered as she departed.

Once alone, Ethan turned his attention to Osborn's genetic research database. Inside, he found the Lizard Serum, Spider Serum, Super Soldier Serum, and Rhino Serum—all flawed formulas. The only perfect serum, the Spider Potion, still lacked the crucial genetic key: Peter Parker's DNA.

"But Peter isn't the only one who can unlock the Spider Potion," Ethan mused. "Gwen's genetic code would work just as well." Gwen Stacy, with her incredible potential, was already showing signs of greatness, but Peter Parker had gone further in unlocking his genetic abilities. His mastery of both human and spider forms made him a formidable force, while Gwen's Ghost Spider persona kept her more grounded.

"I'd rather let Gwen enjoy her life as Ghost Spider," Ethan thought. "I don't want to drag her into the endless conflicts ahead." He knew he was accumulating enemies at every turn—the Holy See, the Mutant Brotherhood, the military, HYDRA. HYDRA, in particular, was watching him like a snake, ever ready to strike.

Ethan's mind wandered to the previous week's events when he had decimated several hidden HYDRA agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. The consequences were still unfolding, and Brock Rumlow's disappearance was likely being investigated. Did S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury know about the spies within his own ranks? And had Alexander Pierce, Fury's rival, discovered Ethan's identity as the Ice Demon?

In Washington, D.C., Alexander Pierce confronted Nick Fury with news of Rumlow's disappearance. "Brock is missing in New York," Pierce said coldly. "And he wasn't alone—twelve other agents vanished with him."

Fury sighed, rubbing his temples. "We all know that New York is effectively that man's domain right now. As things stand, S.H.I.E.L.D. lacks the resources to handle him. We'll need to publicly pressure him into leaving New York, but if we attempt a direct confrontation, it's going to be a nightmare."

"This is America," Pierce snapped, anger creeping into his voice. "If this Ice Demon is some foreign plant sent to destroy our country, do you have any idea what kind of chaos that will cause? General Ross is already pushing for expanded military funding for secret research."

Pierce's frustration was palpable, but Fury was unmoved. "We need people with real power, people who can take down the rising tide of superhumans," Fury said. "I'm already forming a team for that very reason."

"How confident are you in this?" Pierce asked, his voice more measured now.

"We've been through a lot together, Pierce, but the world is changing faster than we can control. The Vatican is still frozen solid. If we don't take action, someone else will—and we'll be left scrambling."

Pierce pondered this for a moment before giving Fury his approval. "I'll take this to the committee. Get your team together and bring someone back from New York. I don't want my family in D.C. turning into ice sculptures."

Fury nodded, though his mind was already racing. The moment Ethan had frozen the Vatican, it became clear that he was too dangerous to recruit. Fury knew they needed to prepare for the worst.

Back in New York, Ethan received an unexpected visitor. The doorbell rang, and when he opened it, he found Natasha Romanoff—or at least, someone posing as her.

"Am I not welcome?" the woman asked, smiling seductively.

"Please, come in," Ethan replied, though he wore a look of mild surprise.

As she entered, the figure of Natasha Romanoff began to shift, and soon, blue skin emerged. The woman standing before Ethan was Raven, the shape-shifting Mystique.

"You knew from the start, didn't you?" Raven asked, her voice steady but laced with tension.

Ethan merely smiled, watching as she transformed from her Mystique form into a perfect replica of Julia. "Do you like it?" Raven asked, her voice sultry.

"Not bad," Ethan said, pulling her close. "But I prefer your true form."

Raven was taken aback. In her experience, her blue-skinned form was seen as monstrous, yet Ethan admired it. "The Creator truly crafted you perfectly," Ethan said, tracing his fingers along her skin. "But you've barely scratched the surface of your potential. You could be so much more."

Raven shook her head. "What are you talking about?"

"You can do more than shapeshift," Ethan explained. "Your ability is rooted in genetics. You can copy others down to their DNA, meaning you can unlock their powers too."

"That's impossible," Raven countered, though she seemed uncertain.

"It's not impossible," Ethan said, his voice firm. "You just need the right guidance. If you come with me, I can help you unlock your true potential. I'll have Osborn's labs analyze your genetic makeup."

Raven hesitated but then wrapped her arms around Ethan's neck. "What is it you want from me? A deal, perhaps? Or something else?" she teased.

Ethan chuckled. "You always know how to make things interesting, Raven. But tell me—who would you like to become next? The President? Or maybe…" He paused, his eyes gleaming. "The Ancient One."

Raven blinked, genuinely confused. "Who is the Ancient One?"

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